Dry Eyes

Millions of Americans struggle with dry eyes, and while it may seem like just an annoyance at first, proper treatment is vital to protect your eye health. Daniel Rafaelov, OD, at Eyecrafters Optical in Downtown Brooklyn, New York City, provides innovative treatments and personalized care. To get relief from the redness, watering, and grittiness of dry eyes, book your appointment online today or call the office to schedule a consultation.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, happens when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the tears you make aren’t balanced properly, leaving your eyes without enough lubrication.

Tears do more than lubricate — they also protect your eyes and help prevent painful issues like corneal abrasions. Dry eyes are often triggered by some external factor, like:

• Allergies
• Indoor heaters (which dry out the air)
• Certain medications (like birth control or antihistamines)
• Dirty or ill-fitting contacts
• Too much screen time
• Blocked tear ducts

If your eyes are constantly dry or irritated, it might be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Rafaelov at Eyecrafters Optical. You may have dry eyes, or you could have blepharitis, a condition that causes similar symptoms like redness, swelling, and crusting along the edges of your eyelids. Once he makes a diagnosis, Dr. Rafaelov can tailor a treatment plan to your needs using the latest innovations in eye care.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

Dry eye symptoms may sometimes be contradictory, as you might actually experience excessive watering when your eyes attempt to compensate for the imbalance. Other common symptoms include:

• Itching or burning
• The feeling of something gritty in your eye
• Trouble focusing your vision
• Light sensitivity

It’s important to address these symptoms early on. If left untreated, severe dry eyes can lead to permanent eye damage or even vision loss.

How are dry eyes treated?

Dr. Rafaelov can help you manage your dry eyes, and if lifestyle changes aren’t enough, provide professional care. He’ll help pinpoint what might be causing your symptoms and recommend ways to reduce them, like taking more screen breaks, keeping your contacts clean, or using a humidifier in your home.

He may also recommend: 

OptiLIGHT by Lumenis

Eyecrafters Optical uses leading-edge eye treatments like OptiLIGHT, the only intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy FDA-approved to manage dry eye disease. This treatment breaks up hardened oils and unclogs your eye’s glands to give you more stable tear production.

Punctal Plugs

Dr. Rafaelov can also use punctal plugs, sometimes called tear duct or lacrimal plugs. These tiny medical devices, no bigger than a grain of rice, slow tear draining and decrease eye redness and discomfort.

Avenova

Avenova is a prescription-strength hypochlorous acid spray designed to cleanse the eyelids and reduce bacteria that contribute to dry eye symptoms. When used daily, Avenova helps relieve irritation, redness, and discomfort by promoting better eyelid hygiene and tear film stability.

Other treatments

If needed, he may prescribe medications or eye drops (some of which you can get over-the-counter at the pharmacy). Additionally, if you wear contacts, there are specialized lenses designed to help manage dry eyes. Be sure to ask Dr. Rafaelov about your options.

Call Eyecrafters Optical or book an appointment online to get your dry eye evaluation and treatment today.